“What do you need me to do?” I ask, cursing the fact that I feel obligated to help. If he was anyone else, I’d say he was on his own, but Sebastian is the closest thing to a friend that I’ve ever had. He might piss me off and make me want to punch him through a wall, but we’re in this together. “How can I help?”
A muscle in his jaw ticks, and a beat of silencepasses. Then, he finally looks at me again. “Whatever is necessary. I can’t lose her.”
A shiver rolls down my spine as our eyes remain locked. My next words slip out before I can stop them, “And the child?”
His jaw tenses, but he doesn’t say anything. Not that he has to; I understand the implication.
Do what I can to save Niki, regardless of what happens to the baby.
“You have my word.” I nod once.
“Thank you, Kaseilon. I don’t know what I would do without you.” His tone is lighthearted, but I know how sincerely he means it.
He’d be fucked without me, and we both know it.
Chapter 4
Joseline
Sebastian shows up a few hours later, wearing black clothes that cover him from head to toe. His signature skull mask with sharp teeth conceals everything from the shoulders up.
It’s so odd how the members of Rhage insist on remaining covered at all times. No one is going to recognize them by their wrists or earlobes…
Or would they?
They’re either hiding something or seriously committing to the bit, and I don’t know which is worse.
“Jos, this is Sebastian.” Niki smiles, her eyes bouncing between us. “My love, this is my best friend in the whole world.”
“Nice toofficiallymeet you.” I force a smile onto my face. Even though we’ve never met in person, I’ve seenenough photos of him and heard enough about him to make it feel like we already know each other.
“Likewise.” He nods in my direction and stops next to the recliner to place a hand on Niki’s shoulder. Her expression softens, and she perks up at his touch.
Gross. These two are so in love it’s sickening.
Sebastian’s next words are directed at her, “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”
“Better.” This time when she smiles, it doesn’t look weak or forced. “Kind of hungry.”
“I’m going to shower and change,” he rumbles softly, gently rubbing his fingers up and down her arm. “Then I’ll get you something to eat, alright?”
At the mention of food, my stomach growls, and I’m struck with an idea. “Actually, do you mind if I kidnap her for a bit?” I’m already pulling out my phone to search for local restaurants. “We can go eat somewhere close, if you’re feeling up to it.”
Sebastian’s eyes shift to me, his red contacts almost glowing under the fluorescents. “I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
“Why not?” My brows furrow together as I lock eyes with him. Is he implying that he doesn’t trust me? Or that he’s worried about Niki’s health? The urge to ask which strikes me, but I swallow it. “We won’t be gone long. It’ll be totally fine.”
“Yeah, I’d like to get out of the bus for a little bit.” Niki’s soft reply is a relief to the tension in the room. “And we won’t go far. Where are we? Village Run?”
I nod enthusiastically.
She furrows her brows in thought. “There should bea really good Thai place close by, if I remember correctly.”
“Niki,” Sebastian’s voice rumbles, “I really don’t mind going to grab food for both of you. You’ve been so weak lately. I just worry, that’s all.”
Her lips purse, her eyes narrowing a bit, and I know what’s coming. Niki might be completely exhausted, but she’ll never lose her stubborn streak. Once she sets her mind on something, she’s going to do it with or without permission.
“Well, you can worry a little less,” she says. “I will be fine. Thai Garden is only a couple of miles away. You can be there in no time if anything happens.”
